Kristjaan Speakman on Sunderland’s deadline-day loan as Leo Hjelde joins Sheffield United | OneFootball

Sunderland have allowed defender Leo Hjelde to join Sheffield United on loan for the rest of the season, with no option to buy.

According to Sunderland Echo, Hjelde made 17 appearances last term as the Black Cats won promotion to the Premier League, but he has not featured competitively this season after surgery on both achilles following the play-off triumph.

With competition high in defence, Hjelde was keen to play regularly and the club agreed. Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said the move fits the player’s ambitions as well as the club’s, and he wished him well for the second half of the season.

Sheffield United moved quickly after Sam McCallum suffered a potentially major injury in a 1-1 draw with Millwall at the weekend. Hjelde adds depth at left-back and can also operate at centre-back. United are 17th in the Championship.

Sunderland are still exploring reinforcements in central midfield and the wide areas if the right option emerges. With loanee Lutsharel Geertruida now set to stay after interest from Liverpool, the need for a midfielder has eased. It remains to be seen whether any business will be done before the 7pm deadline.

Further outgoings are likely, though none are confirmed. Monaco are in talks over a loan with an option to buy for Simon Adingra, whom Sunderland are prepared to let go, with Chemsdine Talbi back from AFCON. For that to happen, Adil Aouchiche must complete a permanent move to Schalke, and he currently occupies an international loan slot at Aberdeen.

Birmingham City have also held extensive talks about turning Patrick Roberts’s loan into a permanent deal early.

Source: Sunderland Echo